National Wear Red Day Reflections

National Wear Red Day was this past Friday- a perfect day to reflect on stroke, heart, volunteering and life in general.

Memories

National Wear Red Day brings me back to 2015 when I was serving as a National Spokeswoman for the Go Red for Women Campaign. That role of being the face and story of stroke for women around this country was such an honor. That was the year that I took initiative and created my Isurvivor page (www.facebook.com/ISurvivorLisaDeck) . My goal- then and now- was to share messages that promote wellness, good health and living actively with stroke and heart disease. Little did I know that it would lead to a new challenge of a fourth stroke and two brain surgeries. I still think of this day three years ago when my advocacy and volunteerism jumped to a new level. I’ve been in a lull this past month but looking at these memories reinvigorate me!

2015 Class of Go Red Real Women

Sisterhood

As part of the Go Red for Women campaign, I became a member of a group of strong, passionate, dedicated women with whom I instantly bonded. We connected because we share similar life-threatening experience. Yet, each of us is here today sharing our story and living full, long and happy lives. Social media has enabled us to maintain close relationships- especially considering we are spread around the country. We gain a new class of #heartsisters each year. On this special day every year, I love sharing in and seeing all the cool and amazing things my fellow volunteers and advocates are doing.

Another class of Go Red ladies

Community

I have been blessed by close knit relationships from many phases of my life. Seeing family and friends donning their red outfits in support of my cause truly warms my heart. Sometimes it’s a needed reminder of the support and love that surrounds me and my family. This feeling extends to my community elementary school where my son attends school. Each year they host a Wear Red Day and even raised over $400 this year the American Heart Association. How cool!

2018 Wear Red Day Collage

Volunteerism

Dates and special days are important to survivors. Wear Red Day gives me an opportunity to reflect on all that has happened in my life and feel blessed. I’m never quite sure what to do to acknowledge the day but volunteering this year sure seemed like a good option. I was asked by one of my favorite advocacy directors to assist her at a Tobacco Free Kids conference. Our goal was to collect reasons from teenagers to change the legal age to buy tobacco to 21. It was enlightening to see a group of teenagers engaged in a public health campaign. Spending the day helping also made me feel good inside.

Our family was hit by a flu like virus this past week. We had planned to attend an evening event on Wear Red Day but I had to prioritize our health. We had to opt for a low key family night. That brings me to reason #5 of why Wear Red Day is important…

My Family

My Family

My husband and kids are what I fight for as I battle my health challenges. They are who I want to learn the values of good health and a healthy lifestyle. They are the ones I want to teach about volunteerism and giving back. And they are my loves that I get to share my challenging, messy and awesome life with!